HIPAA
HIPAA and how we protect your child’s health information.
Ava Family Services does not use, disclose or discuss client-specific information with others unless you authorize it, or the law requires or allows it.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
Confidentiality of client medical information
Individuals in our care expect us to maintain the confidentiality and security of all their Protected Health Information (PHI). Ava Family Services does not use, disclose or discuss client-specific information with others unless the client authorizes the release of their information, or we are required or authorized by law to release it. We maintain the confidentiality of client medical information and use appropriate security measures to protect it, including information in client charts and in all communications.
What HIPAA is
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, passed by Congress in 1996. Its Privacy regulations require health care providers and their business associates to follow procedures that keep protected health information confidential and secure when it is transferred, received, handled or shared, whether on paper, spoken or electronic. The Privacy Rule also permits disclosure of health information needed for patient care and other important purposes. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties (42 USC § 1320d-5).
Examples of HIPAA violations we guard against
- Improper disposal of patient records. Records must be shredded before disposal.
- Insider snooping: family members or coworkers looking at records without authorization. We prevent this with passwords, tracking and access levels.
- Releasing information to someone not named on the authorization form.
- Releasing the wrong patient’s information, for example when two patients have similar names.
- Unprotected storage, such as a stolen laptop. Health information must be stored on secure devices.
Questions about your records? Call (404) 905-7699 or email info@avafamilyservices.com. See also our website privacy policy.